This book is an entertaining account on Billy Hayes' time in Turkish prison, told in a personal, straightforward way. He describes his time behind bars, the people he meets during that time, and his struggle to get out. Thereby he never loses himself in lengthy, boring monologues, so the book remains thoroughly absorbing. Also, he does not seem to try to embellish his actions or exaggerate aspects of the story in his favor, which gives the book an honest appearance.Considered the fact that this is a true story it is a very enjoyable book. However, one should not expect the story to contain as much hardship and dramatic experiences as described in Henri Charri��re's "Papillon", a comparison that inevitable came to my mind.So, if you like true stories of that kind, I can really recommend this book. But if you just want a thrilling adventure story and you don't care if it is real or not, you might be disappointed. I myself would really not have enjoyed Hayes' book as much if it was only fictitious. This is the true story of how twenty-something American Billy Hayes tried to smuggle hashish out of Turkey during the late 1960s and got caught. I think we all do foolish and naive things without considering the consequences, especially when we're young, so it's hard to fault him for taking such a risk. Billy is sentenced to serving time at a brutal Turkish prison and just about loses his mind in the process. His first hand account of the Turkish legal system, his brief stay in an insane asylum and the various prisoners who drift in and out of his life is fascinating. I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, unless you want Giorgio Moroder's disco score to accompany your read as well!
What do You think about Fuga Di Mezzanotte (1977)?
unlikeable central character couldn't warm to. interesting story though.
—eatpraylove
